ATLANTA – Today Governor Sonny Perdue announced the launch of the first-of-its-kind research tool, iResearchGeorgia. The online, free database is the only one in the U.S. that combines the research capabilities of multiple public and private universities within a single state.

“We are proud to freely share Georgia’s intellectual capital with the world in this innovative way,” said Governor Perdue. “iResearchGeorgia will foster the kind of collaboration among research institutions and industry that generates jobs and investment in the biosciences, one of the state’s fastest-growing industries.”

This powerful online, free database will give companies a direct connection to Georgia university resources that can help them grow. Users of iResearchGeorgia will be able to search and explore published papers, patents, more than 500 faculty profiles and National Institute of Health grants associated with Georgia’s brightest researchers from both public and private universities.

iResearchGeorgia’s academic partners include:

•           Georgia Institute of Technology

•            Emory University

•            University of Georgia

•            Medical College of Georgia

•            Georgia State University

•           Morehouse School of Medicine

•            Mercer University

•            Clark Atlanta University

 

Potential users can see iResearchGeorgia in action during ongoing demonstrations in the Georgia Pavilion at the 2009 BIO International Convention, held May 18 through May 21 in Atlanta. This innovative tool, anticipated to maximize the interaction between companies who need academic expertise and the universities who can offer it, developed from recommendations by the Commission for a New Georgia in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Research Alliance.

“iResearchGeorgia is a powerful demonstration of the breadth and depth of Georgia’s scientific  talent and our commitment to accelerating growth in knowledge-based industries,” said Mike Cassidy, president and CEO of the Georgia Research Alliance. “It’s also a stellar example of public-private partnerships acting as a catalyst for economic development.”

“iResearchGeorgia brings the tremendous accomplishments of research faculty to the fore in a way that will transform how scientists work and how they connect with industry,” said University System of Georgia Chancellor Erroll B. Davis Jr.  “I thank our research leadership for this visionary initiative, one that positions original scholarly research to better serve both industry and the public.”

To access the database, visit www.georgiabiosciences.com/iResearch .